U18 International Rugby Series Ignites in Durbanville - Day 1 Recap 2025

Matchday 1 of the U18 International Series delivered plenty of drama in Durbanville. In the opening fixture, Georgia stunned England 35–31 in a thrilling upset, while hosts South Africa ran out with a convincing 43–21 win over France. In the opening game, Ireland edged South Africa 'A 36–33 with a last-gasp penalty. Below we recap each match, final score, turning points and standout performers.

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England U18 vs Georgia U18

It was a seesaw battle. Georgia, described as a “fired-up” side, grabbed an early lead and then held on as England fought back. The crucial period came late, when Georgia maintained a narrow lead and repelled England’s final attacks to seal the win. The Georgian forwards set a strong platform throughout, and their defensive resilience under pressure proved decisive. England’s captain (Declan Treacey) and backs made several breaks, but England ultimately came up short.

England U18 vs Georgia U18 2025 ends in massive upset!

Georgia’s discipline and physicality paid off. They managed the game well in the closing stages, while England’s hopes were dashed by one final turnover. The upset defeat was a gut‑punch for England’s young squad, and a huge confidence boost for the Georgian team.

South Africa U18 vs France U18

South Africa dominated from the start. The SA pack’s powerful scrummaging and lineout drives laid the platform for an early onslaught. Three first-half tries, including a drive-over from No.8 Gert Kemp and two lineout maul tries by flanker Chinedu Amadi – blew the game open (31–0 at half-time). France scored two second-half consolation tries, but the result was never in doubt once South Africa had that big lead. 

Flanker Chinedu Amadi crossed for two tries, and captain Markus Muller (centre) also scored before half-time. Flyhalf Liyema Nela was busy with the boot, slotting four conversions and a penalty, helping South Africa build a commanding scoreboard. Replacement hooker Jacobus de Villiers and wing Junaide Stuart also scored tries in the second half as the Springbok U18 Bomb Squad finished the job. On defense South Africa rarely blinked, even when prop Kai Pratt was sin‑binned, keeping the French at bay.

South Africa U18 defeat France U18 2025.

Tactically, South Africa’s game plan centered on forward power. Their scrum and lineouts dominated, repeatedly earning penalties and field position. This let the backs unload, and France’s defense was worn out by the end. Emotionally it was a brilliant statement win for the hosts, as they claimed the Médhi Narjissi Trophy. France briefly revived in the second half, but South Africa’s relentless pressure (and a late try by Christian Mendes Tani for France) only served to make the scoreline more respectable than the on-field reality.

Ireland U18 vs South Africa U18 'A

This match was a classic seesaw affair. Each side scored five tries, trading blows throughout. A turning point came just before half-time when Ireland’s prop Ben Guerin was sin‑binned for repeated offside infringements near their line. South Africa 'A capitalized on the one-man advantage, scoring three tries in quick succession to jump ahead 21–12. Ireland hit back immediately (a maul try to Alex Lautsou just before half), closing the gap to 26–19 at the break. In the second half the teams swapped tries again, Irish hooker Lee Fitzpatrick and SA fullback Reinhart Viljoen each scored, and the game was level at 33–33 with minutes to play.

South Africa 'A go over for the try vs Ireland 2025 Rugby Series.

For Ireland, hooker Lee Fitzpatrick (captain) and centre Bernard White each ran in two tries, and Alex Lautsou also crossed once. Irish kicker Connor McVicker (scrumhalf) calmly nailed two late penalty goals (one in the final minute) to snatch victory. On the South African A side, fullback Reinhart Viljoen scored two tries (including a quick-tap score early in the second half), and replacement centre Lizwe Mthethwa added another. Flyhalf Jeandre Uithaler kicked all four conversions and a penalty for SA to keep them in contention.

Ireland’s approach featured strong forward drives (e.g. Lautsou’s maul try) and assured kicking under pressure. South Africa A responded with dynamic running rugby, especially exploiting the sin-bin period. In the end it came down to composure: McVicker’s late penalties “broke the hearts” of the home sides. Emotionally it was a roller-coaster, relief and elation for Ireland, heartbreak for SA 'A, as the visitors clinched a memorable last‑ditch win.